A hockey game is divided into three periods, each lasting 20 minutes, with breaks in between. Here are five supporting facts about how a hockey game is divided:
1. Periods: A hockey game is played in three periods, unlike other sports like basketball or soccer, which typically have two halves. Each period lasts for 20 minutes, making a total game time of 60 minutes.
2. Breaks: There are two breaks between each period. The first intermission usually lasts for 17 minutes, while the second intermission is typically shorter, around 15 minutes. These breaks allow players to rest and strategize with their coaches.
3. Overtime: In regular-season NHL games, if the score is tied at the end of the third period, a five-minute sudden-death overtime period ensues. If no team scores during this period, the game ends in a tie. However, in playoff games, overtime periods can continue until a team scores, thus determining the winner.
4. Penalty Time: When a player commits a penalty, they must serve time in the penalty box. However, this penalty time does not affect the division of the game. The clock keeps running during penalty time, and the respective teams continue to play with fewer players on the ice.
5. Different Rules for Different Leagues: While the NHL has three periods of 20 minutes each, other hockey leagues may have different divisions. For example, the International Ice Hockey Federation (IIHF) uses three 20-minute periods for regular play but changes to 10-minute periods during overtime.
FAQs:
1. What is the purpose of dividing a game into three periods?
The division into three periods allows players to rest and regroup between periods, ensures a fair opportunity for both teams to compete throughout the game, and allows for possible overtime and shootout scenarios if the game is tied.
2. Why are the breaks between periods of different lengths?
The breaks can vary in length to account for things like ice resurfacing, TV timeouts, or commercial breaks. The first intermission is typically longer to accommodate these logistical needs, while the second intermission is usually shorter.
3. Can a team use the intermissions to change their strategy?
Yes, intermissions provide teams with an opportunity to assess their performance, make adjustments, and discuss tactics with their coaches. This allows for strategic changes and can impact the team’s approach in the game.
4. What happens if a game is tied at the end of regulation time?
In regular-season NHL games, if the score is tied at the end of the third period, a five-minute sudden-death overtime period occurs. If no team scores during this period, the game ends in a tie. In playoff games, overtime periods continue until a team scores, determining the winner.
5. Are there any limitations to the number of periods played in hockey?
No, there are no limitations to the number of periods played in hockey. Regular-season NHL games can end in a tie after overtime, while playoff games can go into multiple overtime periods until a team scores.
6. What happens to the clock during penalty time?
The clock keeps running during penalty time. This means that the non-penalized teams continue to play at full strength while the penalized team is short-handed, and the time spent in the penalty box counts towards the overall game duration.
7. Do all hockey leagues follow the same division of game time?
No, while the NHL follows the three-period model with each period lasting 20 minutes, different hockey leagues may have their own variations. For example, the IIHF uses three 20-minute periods for regular play but changes to shorter periods during overtime.
BOTTOM LINE:
A hockey game is divided into three periods of 20 minutes each, with breaks between each period. If the score is tied at the end of regulation time, overtime periods may occur to determine the winner. The clock keeps running even during penalty time, and different leagues may have their own variations in terms of game division.
